Description

Edina Swim Club celebrates its 70th anniversary this coming year.  Driven by a commitment to excellence and a strong sense of community, the 350+ member organization is recognized by USA Swimming as a Silver Medal club and Top 50 Age Group program.  We are seeking a dynamic leader to build upon the club’s strong foundation and guide the organization into the future.

Position Overview

The Head Coach & Executive Director serves as the overall leader of the club, setting the vision, culture, and strategic direction of the organization while leading the development and performance of its athletes and coaching staff. This role combines exceptional coaching, strategic planning and budgeting, and day-to-day operational acumen, requiring a dynamic individual who is innovative, enthusiastic, organized, accountable, and deeply committed to the long-term success of the club and its members.

The ideal candidate will bring curiosity, creativity, and a forward-looking perspective to build upon the strengths of the existing program, while also evaluating current practices, embracing evolving approaches to athlete development, and identifying opportunities to modernize and strengthen the overall developmental experience. 

In this position, not only will you lead an experienced, accomplished coaching staff, you will assume the Head Coach role for the Senior and National-level groups.

Requirements

Key Skills & Characteristics

• Innovative, evidence-based leader:  Brings current, scientifically supported training theory, physiology, and long-term athlete development planning to the program; values continuing education for self and coaching staff
• Holistic athlete developer:  Understands that long-term success depends on developing the whole athlete—physically, mentally, and emotionally—with an emphasis on conditioning, nutrition, recovery, mental preparation, and overall well-being
• Exceptional communicator and relationship builder:  Engages effectively with athletes, parents, coaches, and club leadership; builds trust, communicates expectations clearly, delivers constructive feedback, and creates an environment where athletes feel valued, supported, and heard
• Confident, accountable, and unifying coaching leader:   Provides clear direction, manages staff effectively, addresses conflict constructively, and establishes a cohesive coaching culture aligned around shared values and goals
• Steadfast commitment to SafeSport mission and standards:  Places athlete well-being at the center of our club’s culture

 Leadership & Program Management

• Strong track record of athlete-development:  Proven success developing a high volume of swimmers across varying ages and ability levels, including at the nationally competitive level
• Operational savvy:  Develops yearly operating plan and budget in conjunction with the Board of Directors
  • Establishes and tracks club, staff, and athlete KPIs; partners with the board to make adjustments as needed to deliver the club’s goals
  • In partnership with Head Age Group coach, manages season planning, practice and facility scheduling, meet selection, and championship preparation for the program
• Collegiate recruiting knowledge: Experience with collegiate swimming programs and navigating the recruiting process is preferred
• Engaging club leader:  Takes ownership beyond the pool deck, actively seeking and building strong relationships with families, staff, facilities, other clubs, and state and national governing bodies

Coaching Philosophy & Approach

• Process-driven:  Leads coaching staff to design and implement a cohesive training pathway and ensures technical coaching consistency through all stages of athlete progression.
  • Balances appropriate training volume with technical development, aerobic capacity, speed, power, sprint and race-pace training, and recovery
  • Develops and implements comprehensive quadrennial and seasonal training plans for senior and national-level athletes, utilizing macro cycles, meso cycles, and micro cycles to drive athlete progression and peak performance at championship meets
• Empowering:  Creates a partnership with athletes by helping them understand the why behind their training, giving them ownership of their development and confidence in the process
• Performance-focused and athlete-centered:  Prepares athletes not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally to perform on race day. Builds trust so athletes feel prepared, confident, and capable of achieving their goals
• Creates a culture of belonging and enjoyment:  Brings passion and energy to the pool every day; develops an engaging environment where athletes look forward to practice and meets, feel respected and valued, and take pride in being part of the club
• Team-oriented:  Builds cohesiveness across the entire coaching staff and fosters meaningful relationships and team-building opportunities both in and out of the pool

Minimum 10 years of coaching experience in competitive swimming is strongly preferred, including senior leadership roles within USA Swimming clubs and/or NCAA/NAIA collegiate programs.

Current USA Swimming Coach Membership in good standing.  Minimum ASCA Certification Level 4 (Level 5 preferred).

Edina Swim Club is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for athletes and staff.

Send Resume to: board@edinaswim.com; please include “Head Coach Position” in the subject line.